These are the times that try a Whedon-fan's soul. Most of us knew in advance that Friday nights are the exact opposite of a ratings powerhouse. These are the circumstances in which we learn whether Fox was sincere in its agreement with Joss Whedon to try and let the show grow an audience.

On a more upbeat note, the decline in ratings for Dollhouse is consistent with the second episode of any new show. The network probably knows this and hopefully has factored this sort of slip into their plans for the show. I refuse to give up hope two weeks in.